‘The Hate You Give’ by Angie Thomas

Ok, so I hate to be dramatic but I just turned the last page of ‘The Hate You Give’ and I am in awe. This is one hundred percent my favourite book of the year if not ever! For months I’ve heard so many people talking about it, but foolishly believed that it wasn’t my sort of book/ genre. However, when I went into Waterstones recently and struggled to find anything on my TBR list I stumbled on the exclusive edition, and was drawn in by the beautiful cover and yellow edge!

‘The Hate You Give’ by Angie Thomas

YA

5 out of 5 stars

When I first started reading it I knew this would be a book I’d enjoy. It was an easy read which I could not put down, however it still managed to cover some incredibly important issues and it got me thinking the whole way through! The book follows Starr as she comes to terms with the death of a childhood friend (Kahlil) at the hands of a police officer – a scene she witnessed firsthand. The juxtaposition between the reaction from the neighbourhood she lives in, and from the school she attends (which is mostly white) highlights the naivety that white individuals often demonstrate (myself included). After hearing her classmates reactions, Starr decides she must get justice for Kahlil and find her voice, despite being scared for her own life, as well as her family’s. This book was amazing at highlighting current issues faced by minorities, and I’m so grateful that this is a YA, as I one hundred percent believe that this is perfect for educating young people on police brutality and relevant political issues surrounding it.

The whole way through the book Starr is the perfect endorsement of the slogan ‘run towards your fears’. Despite threats and oppression she finds her voice and does what she believes is right even though the police – the people we expect to protect us- appear to be doing the opposite.

This book was powerful, moving, and also surprisingly warming at times. The family dynamics are real and not glorified for the book. It’s a messy situation but their family makes it work, and they stick together, supporting each other through thick and thin. I cannot recommend this book enough, and if you haven’t already read it, what are you waiting for? I promise you won’t be disappointed!